By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota Forest Service has announced the successful completion of spring 2026 wildfire support operations carried out with assistance from the North Dakota National Guard. The partnership helped strengthen wildfire preparedness, improve emergency response capabilities, and support forest management projects across the state.
During the 21-day deployment in Dickinson, National Guard personnel worked closely with North Dakota Forest Service staff to support wildfire response readiness and improve operational efficiency. Their work focused on fire preparedness, firefighter training, and hazardous fuels reduction projects designed to lower wildfire risks.
As part of fire response operations, National Guard teams completed daily checks on engines and firefighting equipment to ensure readiness during periods of high fire danger and Red Flag Warning conditions. Personnel were strategically placed alongside Forest Service resources to improve response times and increase support for local fire departments when needed. Officials said the experience also helped National Guard members prepare for future wildfire support missions.
Training activities played an important role throughout the deployment. Forest Service staff provided annual fireline refresher training and pack tests to maintain firefighting qualifications. Additional instruction covered pump operations, hose lays, ignition techniques, chainsaw safety, fire engine operations, and wildland firefighting tactics. These training efforts strengthened the overall wildfire suppression capabilities of state resources.
The mission also included hazardous fuels mitigation work near Amidon, North Dakota. National Guard personnel used chainsaws to thin ponderosa pine stands and remove materials that could increase wildfire intensity. Crews completed work on nine acres, helping reduce ladder fuels, improve canopy spacing, and lower the risk of large wildfires in the area.
State officials said the partnership between the North Dakota Forest Service and the National Guard demonstrated strong interagency cooperation focused on protecting communities, forests, and infrastructure. This operation also marked the first proactive mobilization of a National Guard field force dedicated to wildfire support in North Dakota. Officials believe the experience improved future planning and strengthened the state’s ability to support local fire services during wildfire emergencies.
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Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy, Weather